Sara denies cash claims, mulls raps

Vice President Sara Duterte has denied allegations that she received cash-filled suitcases from former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, as her lawyers questioned the National Bureau of Investigation’s jurisdiction over the case and raised a conflict-of-interest issue involving NBI director Melvin Matibag.

Lawyer Clifford Chua on Thursday submitted Duterte’s sworn affidavit to the NBI in response to the allegations made by dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. who claimed he delivered cash to Duterte, her brother, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, and their father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, on Velasco’s instructions.

“We simply gave them a copy of the sworn affidavit,” Chua told reporters.

Chua said there was no need for Duterte to personally appear at the NBI since the contents of her affidavit had been made public during her 6 October press conference.

“So we will wait if they have anything new to give us so we can properly respond,” he said.

Jurisdictional issue

Duterte’s lawyers, however, maintained their objections to the NBI investigation.

In a 7 October letter to Matibag, Chua said the submission of Duterte’s affidavit was made “ad cautelam” and without prejudice to their position that the NBI had no jurisdiction over the Vice President.

He also accused Matibag of a conflict of interest, citing his past newspaper columns and recent actions, which the lawyers said showed a bias against Duterte.

The lawyers asked to be furnished copies of any additional affidavits or evidence Gracioso may submit.

Chua said Duterte’s camp was also considering filing cases against Gracioso.

“He has many lies,” Chua said, referring to reports on Gracioso’s allegations.

He said Gracioso could face perjury or libel charges, although any case would depend on Duterte’s decision.

Not admissible

Gracioso has twice passed a polygraph test conducted by the NBI. Chua, however, said polygraph results were inadmissible as evidence.

The NBI said it was still verifying Gracioso’s allegations and supporting evidence, including photographs. Matibag earlier said the bureau would invite the personalities named in Gracioso’s affidavit to respond.

“Part of the investigation is to invite the personalities mentioned in the affidavit. It should not be a subpoena but it should be an invitation, especially to the Vice President,” Matibag said. -30-